20 Biggest Crybabies in Sports

While crying often represents unrelenting passion, it fails to exude toughness or any attributes that are essential in sports.

However, according to a recent study regarding Tim Tebow's crying fits, weeping and physical affection in sports actually brings a competitive advantage. Those who believe that tears are acceptable also seem to have higher self-confidence.

It may sound obtuse to many, but in reality it makes perfect sense. Crying is seemingly the peak of emotional distress that only comes when one can't hold back anymore, having used all his energy to achieve a goal.

These criers may become punchlines or the laughing stock of a group of inconsiderate viewers, but they put every bit of tears into every play, yearning for that victory.

In the end, we like to call it inspirational, excluding those who are obvious phonies.

Here are the 20 biggest crybabies in sports.

Enjoy.

20. Paul Pierce

After 10 years of battling and clawing for a championship run, nine-time All-Star Paul Pierce was thrilled with the acquisitions of Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen in 2007.

While Antoine Walker was a fine supporting player, he paled in comparison to the type of help Pierce was about to receive.

Pierce took advantage of this opportunity.

The eventual championship ring brought the waterworks for the former Jayhawk.

19. Wayne Gretzky

"The Great One" holds 40 regular-season records, 15 playoff records and six All-Star records, and is arguably the greatest NHLer of all time. 

However, that didn't keep the Edmonton Oilers from shopping him only two hours after winning the 1988 Stanley Cup. 

Wayne Gretzky gained an ice box where his heart used to be.

18. Steve Nash

A two-time MVP and seven-time All-Star, feisty point guard Steve Nash is known as an emotional leader, but nobody saw this coming.

After the Suns gave up 37 points to Kobe Bryant in Game 6 of the 2010 postseason, they were eliminated, leaving the quarterback of their offense in shambles.

Not again.

17. Derrick Rose

One of the premier point guards and a model human being, former University of Memphis star Derrick Rose lights up the court with his explosive creativity and fearless determination when driving to the hoop.

He was finally revered for his achievements when he received the MVP award last season.

Rose then lit up the stage with his tears, inspiring all who watched.

16. Iker Casillas

While this Spanish goalkeeper may be known for kissing his sports journalist girlfriend Sara Carbonero during an interview, fans in Spain applauded him for leading the national team to their first European Championship in 44 years in 2008.

He doubled that effort when, in 2010, he led the team to a World Cup win, while being named the tournament's best goalkeeper.

A dominant and emotional figure.

15. Chris Bosh

While we could surely point out the entire Miami Heat team for being criers, it's clear that Chris Bosh is far from shy about getting his eyes wet.

Or he's crying because he'll miss the superfluous drama that occurs every day with that team.

It's a long offseason.

14. Hines Ward

While Pittsburgh Steelers fans will most likely frolic to the soundtrack of this video with unrelenting happiness, they also have more respect for arguably the best-blocking wide receiver in the NFL with this clip.

Those who are emotional off the field continue to show us remarkable toughness on the field.

13. Brett Favre

While this retirement, one of many, occurred before Brett Favre's notorious texts to Jenn Sterger became known, we'd like to assume that he's crying because a sideline beauty turned him down in Green Bay earlier in the day.

That may not be true, but based on his recent resume, it seems likely.

12. Roger Federer

This Swiss tennis player has been arguably the most dominating presence on a tennis court since the retirements of Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras.

He held the ATP No. 1 ranking for a record 237 consecutive weeks, and was ranked No. 25 in Forbes Celebrity 100 List in 2011.

True legends always seem to cry the hardest.

11. Jake Delhomme

Perhaps Jake Delhomme was crying because he was essentially replaced by Matt Moore.

This tear party could've lasted for 10 minutes rather than three if this press conference occurred after the Carolina Panthers drafted Jimmy Clausen, who could easily find himself on Jersey Shore after retiring from mediocrity.

His career since then has consisted of a stint on the Cleveland Browns.

That's worth crying about.

10. Adam Morrison

UCLA's comeback against Gonzaga in the 2006 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament propelled fans to drop their jaws in awe and announcers to experience aneurysms.

While Adam Morrison wasn't pleased with his team relinquishing the lead, his melancholy display most likely stemmed from his anxiety about the NBA.

Since being drafted by the Charlotte Bobcats with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2006 draft, Morrison has averaged a measly 7.5 points per game, albeit being a comfortable reserve on the Dallas Mavericks bench during their championship run this past season.

9. Glen Davis

When your nickname is "Big Baby," it's understood that your as sensitive as a bowl of pudding, tears never far away.

But in Glen Davis' case, he slams on the floor and whines like a baby as well.

After dominating at LSU, Davis was chosen by the Seattle SuperSonics in the 2007 NBA draft with the No. 35 overall pick, and then traded to Boston.

Facing adversity is sure to bring the waterworks.

8. Shannon Sharpe

This may be tears of joy after watching former Arizona Cardinals coach explode on stage with his famous rant, we still enjoy the exuberant passion that Hall of Fame tight end Shannon Sharpe displays.

The first tight end in history to amass 10,000 receiving yards, Sharpe also has three Super Bowl rings.

It's safe to say he misses football, leading to this touching moment.

7. Michael Jordan

While nobody would call this inspiring moment anything but precious, they might not be as gentle on arguably the greatest basketball player ever with his weep in the 2003 All-Star Game, during Mariah Carey's song.

With the legacy that Michael Jordan left on the game of basketball, it's safe to say he can express any emotion that springs up.

Those goosebumps will go away soon.

6. Cristiano Ronaldo

Now it's clear why this soccer playboy gets so many women clinging to his finger—sensitivity attracts beauty.

His crying fit stemmed from Portugal's loss to Greece in the UEFA Euro 2004 Final.

He was surely comforted by a throng of beautiful followers that night.

5. Terrell Owens

The Dallas Cowboys may have lost as a team, but Terrell Owens was failing as an individual.

While he has never truly had an amicable breakup from teams, T.O. continues to search for the group of players who will change him, will inspire him to mature.

Until then, commitment is out of the question.

4. Tim Tebow

It's safe to say Florida star Tim Tebow was crying in fear of never dominating a field like he did in college ever again.

Seemingly a linebacker at heart, this signal-caller is never afraid to let his emotions show.

While his fans will never understand, it's clear Tebow's teammates appreciate and applaud him.

He just needs a hug and a neck rub.

3. Tom Brady

With hair like that, Tom Brady wouldn't have been an insurance salesman even if he had gone undrafted, most likely flirting with the jungle life under the tutelage of primates.

However, the New England Patriots took a chance on the unknown Michigan commodity.

Boston has been crying with happiness ever since Brady took over for Drew Bledsoe.

2. LaDainian Tomlinson

This is a man who certainly shouldn't be sorry for wearing his emotions on his sleeve, as these feelings have led LaDainian Tomlinson to quite the prosperous career.

With over 13,000 rushing yards, 144 touchdowns and cut-back moves to break opponents' ankles, LT will surely see his name cemented in the Hall of Fame following his retirement.

Gang Green is pleased to have him until then.

1. Allen Iverson

Arguably the most explosive guard in recent history during his prime, Allen Iverson dealt with cynics and reporters trying to talk about practice, but he never disappointed on the court.

While some fans may despise the man referred to as A.I., rated the fifth greatest NBA shooting guard of all time in 2008 by ESPN, they can't disrespect the attempt at redemption that he clearly displayed.

On the other hand, his name and moves make us believe he isn't quite human.